Certain symptoms associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease, including agitation and depression, affect Hispanics more frequently and severely than other ethnicities. The findings, published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience (JNCN), suggest that Alzheimer’s disease manifests itself differently in Hispanic populations.

“Our study shows that the severity and proportion of neuropsychiatric symptoms is significantly higher in a Hispanic group compared to non-Hispanic whites,” says lead researcher Ricardo Salazar, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso). “This could have a significant impact on the treatment and understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease progresses in Hispanics.”

NOTICE: The Certifications conferred by the NCBAC™ (Certified Alzheimer Caregiver™ "CAC™" and Certified Alzheimer Educator™ "CAEd™") are important indicators of quality care. The NCBAC™ does not license, approve nor bestow authorization to anyone the right to practice healthcare where such license or certification is regulated by any state, municipality or other government entity.